Presidential Range

With a generally stable snowpack, large avalanches are unlikely. Continue to make slope-specific assessments of snow surface conditions and use caution in terrain where falls have greater consequences.You should be aware that continued warm temperatures and rain have accelerated springtime mountain hazards like water holes and undermined snow surfaces.

With above-freezing temperatures overnight at all elevations, you are likely to encounter soft, wet snow surfaces today. While the surface snow may be soft, it is on top of a firm older snow surface. Using crampons and an ice axe while ascending steep snow-covered slopes can help to prevent a fall as the snow interface can be slippy. Remember that the snow at the bottom of the gully may be different than the snow at the top, and using crampons helps with variable snow surfaces.

It is possible that the wet and soft surface snow may cause heavy sluffing or small wet loose slides in steep terrain from ski turns or footsteps. The concern here would be that this snow could cause a fall in steep, technical terrain above exposure. Assess the surface and consequence of a fall in terrain that you choose to travel in.

With a generally stable snowpack, the more dangerous conditions you are likely to encounter are springtime mountain hazards.

• Icefall: Over the years many people have been severely injured or killed by falling ice in Tuckerman Ravine. The most hazardous locations are in the center and right side of the ravine, including Lunch Rocks, the Sluice, Lip, and Center Headwall. Warm weather and rain today could increase the potential for icefall to occur. Avoid spending time under hazards in high-risk areas like Lunch Rocks or on the floor of the ravine in the fall line of ice in the Headwall.
• Snow holes & glide cracks: Numerous glide cracks have been observed (obs 1, obs 2, obs 3) and the most likely hazard you would encounter from this would be catching a ski tip that could cause a fall. The Presidential Range rarely sees glide avalanches as the rocky terrain is not conducive for them, they usually fail on smooth surfaces like rock slabs, glacial ice, or grass surfaces. With continued warming, snow holes are beginning to form and these openings in the snowpack can be very deep and large enough for a person to fall into. In most cases, these openings have no reasonable exit until the snow completely finishes melting. These hazards have been a factor in several accidents over the years.
• Undermined snow: Meltwater flowing under the snowpack erodes away the snow above, creating thin bridges of snow that can collapse. These will emerge at the tops of gullies (particularly on south-facing slopes) and in areas that have streams running, like the brook feeding the Little Headwall. The sound of running water can sometimes be heard under the snow and is a good indicator of this hazard.
• Other people: Sunny, warm spring days draw crowds of skiers to various ravines, remain mindful of where and what others are doing around you.

You can read more about springtime mountain hazards here.

Looking ahead to tonight, wintery weather is forecast to return with dropping temperatures, snow, and increasing winds. Overnight and early in the day refrozen surfaces and long sliding falls should be on your radar. Crampons, an ice axe, and the skills to use them will be necessary for safer travel on steep snow-covered slopes. As the snow continues to accumulate, winds increase, and shift northwest newly forming wind slabs should be top of mind. You will be most likely to encounter these in south and east aspects and these will be bright white and softer compared to the refrozen old snow surface. While these wind slabs are unlikely to be large, finding and triggering one could cause a fall in steep icy terrain.

OBSERVATIONS: Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the new Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.